Paradise in Kapoho Beach, Hawaii

March 29, 2009

Travel Writer, Bret Love

As a travel writer by profession, I’ve stayed in some of the finest hotels, lodges, b&b’s and cabins all over the world. In all honestly, I’ve never seen anything like Shangri’La in my 30 years of travels, and I sincerely doubt I ever shall again. If I could, I’d pack the huts, the lagoon, and the décor (especially the fish!) into my carry-on bags so I could take the Shangri’La vibe with me everywhere I go. Kudos for your distinctive vision for this property. We hate to leave, and I can’t wait to tell all of my readers about your little slice of paradise!

~Bret Love, Atlanta, GAMarch 25, 2009Words can’t capture the beauty and magic of this spot! One of the rare places that is better than the pictures and video show. We will be back, that is for sure.

This was the perfect island experience for our family. We stayed here with our 3 adult children (19, 28, & 30 yrs) and the space was perfect. Our daughter loved her cozy island nest, and our son enjoyed his own space in the guest house. So peaceful, the only noise we heard were tree frogs and doves. We have traveled all over the world and lived in Asia 4 years, and this is one of the most enchanting places we’ve stayed. Thank you for the magical time... p.s. I forgot to mention the Lagoons! They are fantastic!"

~The Kramers, Boston, NYMarch 12, 2009

At Shangri'La, we're only 1 group - - it's very private and you don’t have to share with others. The heated, private lagoon is a great feature as is the layout of different spaces. That made it great for 2 couples to meet for dining outside, or games, TV, etc. in the Round Room."

As a returning visitor to Shangri’La I couldn’t imagine how it could be better. Amazing improvements include dramatic lighting, fountains, tables, potted plants, stepping stones, whimsical touches like the shells and sea stars too!

The most meaningful, personal touch of fresh flowers everywhere reinforces the feeling of true paradise!

I appreciate the soaps, the (bottled) water, the nuts, shampoos, and the basics of plenty of toilet paper too. Arriving to a new and strange place to find only a ½ roll of TP has always seemed like an insult to me.I loved a new, clean, kitchen sponge, and the valentine’s pot holders and towels!

The high count, luxury linens was the 2nd thing my husband noticed, after the beautiful gardens. I hate rough, old sheets, so having a bit of home away from home on a vacation, is wonderful. Thanks for the great bedding! The shells in the walkways and orchids everywhere made it feel like a luxury vacation!

This beautiful property now feels like a resort! The upgrades have added an exotic luxury feeling to a perfect, perfect property!

The little tea house now seems more like a luxury room! The TV, table, and patio chairs now give it the feeling of a little luxury suite…much improved!

People save all year for a vacation, and spending ours here is such a treat! We are going to scrimp and save so we can return to our favorite Hawaiian house away from the hustle and bustle and crowds of tourists in other areas.Thank you for the great stay!

p.s. Office was fabulous! Allowed us to vacation and take care of work emergencies! Great to have wireless internet! And the cabana is heaven!!January 13, 2009Thank you a million. No words can describe it. It’s awesome! MAHALO!

January 7, 2009We absolutely Loved Shangri’La! The setting is so beautiful and a great getaway from everyday life. We loved swimming in the tidepools, snorkeling, and seeing all of the sea life. As well the location is great for visiting the volcano and lava flow into the ocean. Overall, we had a fabulous stay and thoroughly enjoyed our Hawaiian vacation. Mahalo!

~Tyler & Alyssa Nettleton, Yelm, WADecember 4, 2008What a great Space!! We loved it for our family getaway from Seattle! Brady, thanks for all your help and the lava tour was great! Have to run to get to the airport, would have liked to say more. Thanks & Mahalo!

That is how it was for my GalPal and I during the first 2 days of our stay. Then our friends, with their 2 kids arrived and we had to put our clothes on. It is simply amazing to wake up each morning and step down into a lagoon, with water temperature so comfortable and teeming with fish. The lagoon is long enough to do exercise laps back and forth and deep enough to go under and play together or with the fish. We went in the lagoon every couple of hours throughout the day and into the evening. The high tides brought in more fish to nibble at our toes.

The fresh fruit growing on the property's trees made breakfast smoothies delicious. The total privacy of the location and setting made us feel that we were the only people on earth.

Silence, pure silence....except the gentle sound of wind and palms....and ocean waves breaking in the distance.

Our time at Shangri La was a period of, pure relaxation and laziness, the likes of which are rejuvenating to the spirit, mind and body. Each day was like this: eat, relax, read, nap, eat again, romance, nap again, into town for dinner, music dancing, romance, swimming in the lagoon under the stars, and then bedtime. Listening to the sound of a tropical torrential downpour was our nightime lullabye. I will never forget the wonderful time I shared there with my gal and our close friends.

Note: This place is perfect for 2/3 close friends/couples, or 2 couples with a bunch of kids.~Robert Clark, San FranciscoJuly 18, 2008Thanks a lot. We love this beautiful place, a piece of paradise! “Mir hand die tag im paradise norm gnossa, d’ warmi, a’ nature, s’wasser die wundesdio alag….us isch worhl fantastisch gsi. Danke.” (Swiss German)We hope to come back to this place of peace. Lovely greetings,

~Christian Nartin liene Marhus SimonJune 24, 2008So, it’s our last day here and I’m appreciating every little thing! This astounding place is so incredibly unique! Where else can you find a thermally heated giant aquarium that you can swim in? The whole neighborhood is fascinating. I would love to know the history of this place! Oh! The flora and fauna! Lovely, exotic, abundant, and lush. I wish I could grow some of these things back in Santa Cruz, CA like Plumeria or these cool palm fan tree things. We’ve seen big mossy backed turtles just around the corner and tiny, jewel-like geckos practically under our noses. We’ve been able to truly relax and let go of the STUFF from home. Even though the STUFF will be waiting for us when we go back, we’ll be carrying the sweet aloha from this wonderful place within our souls.

~Sheryl Loomis, Aloha!May 9, 2008

My wife and I have been planning a trip to Hawaii for some time. I spent months looking online for a home to rent for the week, then I found Shangri’La. We booked in Jan 2008 for the 2 of us, and I talked my parents into the adventure…. All four of us first times to Hawaii and Shangri’La. We can say that we had the best time of our lives! This place has history, and a life of its own. We have no complaints about Shangri’La. YOU JUST BOOKED PARADISE…now LIVE IT!p.s. I have a beautiful, wonderful wife, and having her here with me is what made this perfect!

~Pauly Family and Kathy & Larry Bogg

WOW!—Amazing—Beautiful—Paradise—Unforgettable—Heaven—Relaxing—Romantic—Wonderful!!! I could go on and on about Shangri’La, our family had one of the BEST weeks of our lives! We couldn’t imagine complaining or saying a negative thing about this magnificent wonderland. Everything is RIGHT! We have paid more for a one bedroom hotel in Phoenix then we have for just one night here. Please don’t raise your prices, but we would have paid so much more for the most incredible vacation we have ever had!! It wouldn’t have been the same ANYWHERE else on earth—Thank-you Shangri-La, you have OUTDONE yourself---We will be back someday soon!

~Bobbi Pauley & Family

p.s. I would also like to add that this Paradise, has in some magical way, made me and my amazing husband’s relationship even closer! I didn’t think a married couple could be closer than we were, but like I said “MAGICAL” it has happened!!! We are leaving this place “The Happiest, most content married couple in the WORLD.”

I want to add that my parents rocked! My mother rode an ATV for a 3 hour trip and my father had a great time as well. It was cute watching them swimming and giggling like kids in the lagoon. Yes, Mom DID A LOT of things she wouldn’t have done at home. She was a TROOPER “Again.” This place is MAGICAL!

~Larry Pauley

Before I leave today, I have to leave this testimony of what a wonderful & awesome God we have that not only created this beautiful and peaceful place, but also made the way for us to come here and enjoy the time my husband and I have had here with our children, whom the Lord has given us. This was truly a little “Paradise.” Our kids always go out of their way to set up everything ahead of time…they cook and they clean…they’re wonderful! We love them! You take a step back in time when you come here. It is so quiet and relaxing. When you go out to see the island, you can’t wait to get back and close those front gates. Again, I want to thank the one who made all of this possible, and thank you Lord!! Thank you for this wonderful time with my sweetheart of a husband that you gave me and my great kids! You knew right where we needed to be and right where it was. We love you Jesus!

~Kathy Pauley, Phx AZ.

p.s. This was the FIRST place that my over active husband has ever been content to do nothing but relaxing…now that’s a REAL miracle!p.p.s. We appreciate every tiny little thought that has been put into this place. They have just thought of everything that you might need and put it all here for you! Just look around, and if you need it, you’ll find it! Thanks to all of the people that go that extra mile to keep this place so beautiful and enjoyable!April 13, 2008

I have to say the most unique place I have ever stayed at very beautiful grounds and very quiet! I have the song “Margaritaville” in my head. I have always wanted to go there and now, I think I have! Thanks again!

March 3, 2008Our stay at Shangri-La was a vacation of a life time!! The no hassel environment was just perfect. I don't think I can stay at a hotel ever again. We loved taking the early morning swims in our private naturally heated lagoon. The privacy of the estate is a wonderful freeing feeling. You get the sensation that you are in your own exclusive piece of heaven. The proximity of the tidal pools was so close that we could go every day. Their beauty is spectacular, words can't describe the experience. I thnk only a painters brush could do it justice. Ever since we returned home I can only think, when can I go back for another trip to the Big Island and stay at Shangri-La. Loved it, loved it, loved it!!!"

~Jeff & Leslie Miller, Chris & Cheryl St. Charles, Dearborn, MichiganJanuary 27, 2008Aloha! We are 2 families from Shaunavon, Saskatchewan, Canada. We have enjoyed our relaxing week very much! The lagoon is fantastic! We spent lots of time snorkeling. When we first arrived it was more than we imagined. Fabulous place! More than we could have wanted and asked for! Mahalo!

~Dianne, Mike, Clay Greenlay and Peter, Carolyn & Jillian Illerbrun

p.s. we did use the exercise equipment, did yoga and massage in the main pavilion, wrote in journals at the marvelous desk, watched movies, played CD’s and lounged on the benches and chairs reading and relaxing on overcast days. Our stay and these accommodations was PHENOMINAL!January 8, 2008It was beautiful and unbelievable. I couldn’t imagine a better time! The Shangril’La was a heaven! Thank you!

~The Hayward FamilyDecember 27, 2007Such a beautiful, magical place! Whoever built this place was (is) an inspired genius! We had a wonderful visit! Thank you and blessing to all that made this possible!

~S. Saunders, Acheson, Alberta: Canada

What a heavenly place! The most wonderful week I can ever remember. My thanks to all who made it possible. I hope to be back!

~D. Saunders ,Acheson, Alberta: Canada

Celebrating Christmas and my 47th birthday (also Dec. 25th ) here has been the best time ever!! Your home is truly paradise and have been so fortunate to be able to experience Shangri’La this past week. It is everything I dreamed it to be!! We all loved it here and the lagoon was a hit for all!! Thank you, Mahalo!f

~ The Wettlaugher Family, Dec. 20-27, 2007

December 1, 2007This was our second trip to Kapoho and my sister/ brother-in-laws first time. We had such a blast @ the Shangri’La. We look forward to our return trips. Best rental in Kapoho of the 3 we’ve been to.

~Joy, Tim, Shannon & Jimmy, San Francisco, CA

November 21, 2007

We all had a wonderful time at this beautiful location. The ponds are great and warm. The living quarters are comfortable and relaxing. The fish in the pond are very friendly and like to nibble on your toes (very gently). Great location to snorkel and have fun. The rafts are great to lie on and relax. Come here and unwind and relax. Be kind to the geckos and frogs, they won’t harm you. Insects, they do exist! (skeeters, roaches, palmetto bugs) around water. So use bug repellants for yourself I f you need to. Again, the insects are about this wonderful location.

When you come here, practice the Hawaiian Tradition: “Slow down and relax”… please enjoy this magnificent spot. Walk onto the beaches, there are some great snorkeling sites. “Wear reef shoes” Aloha.

~Joe Writer, Los Angeles

Beautiful, tranquil and alive with little creatures. We loved it!

~Paula Maxwell, Los Angeles

Best Place I’ve ever stayed at!

~Robert, Los AngelesNovember 16, 2007

Written by Derya (10 years old)I had a great time. I saw a gecko inside the Shangri’La. I had fun swimming in the pond. I saw a gecko and toad and I saw a cat in the night. And I saw fishes and crabs.

~Merve, Atilla, Derya (kid)

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